Chris Colfer is attached to star alongside Sir Ian McKellen in Noel, a biopic focusing on the early life of gay English playwright Noel Coward.

Screen Daily has exclusively announced the news that Noel, a biographical film about Noel Coward, has landed Glee’s Chris Colfer to star as the playwright in his youth. The project is also in casting talks with British legends Vanessa Redgrave and Sir Ian McKellen. Colfer seemingly confirmed his involvement by posting a photo of Coward on his Instagram account, moments after Screen Daily’s article went live.

Colfer – who was cast in Glee as an unknown 18 year old – hasn’t chosen to pursue many “extracurricular” acting jobs in the five years since Glee’s premiere, preferring to work on his own projects as a writer. He served as screenwriter, executive producer and star of 2012’s Struck By Lightning, also penning a novelization of his dark teen film, and the third instalment of The Land of Stories, his New York Times best-selling children’s fantasy series, is due for release this summer.

Aside from a couple of quick voice-over parts, Chris Colfer hasn’t appeared on screen in a fictional role other than Kurt in Glee and Carson Phillips – his own Struck By Lightning creation. It’s unlikely that this is due to a lack of offers – he won a Golden Globe in 2011 for portraying Kurt, he’s received several Emmy nominations, and he’s lauded as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.

With the finishing line of Glee in sight, it’s possible that Colfer is now looking ahead to what life after Glee has to offer, or it could simply be that, out of all the offers that must come his way, he finally found a project that spoke to him. Given that Kurt Hummel didn’t exist until Chris Colfer showed up in Glee’s audition room – the part was written specifically for him – and that laying a rose at the grave of Noel Coward is a legitimate entry on Kurt’s bucket list, it’s safe to assume that Colfer has an affinity for the English playwright, who is today – like Kurt Hummel and Chris Colfer – seen as a gay icon.

Noel Coward was born in southwest London at the turn of last century. He was known – in addition to his nearly 50 published plays and his work as an actor, director and screenwriter for film – for his wit and flamboyance, and for his influence on 20th century writers. Some of his more famous works include Easy Virtue, which had a 2008 film adaptation starring Colin Firth, and Private Lives, a play which has experienced countless Broadway and West End revivals, starring – over time – everyone from Maggie Smith to Sex In The City’s Kim Cattrall.

Coward, both the man himself, who died in 1973, and his many works, are quintessentially English, a staple of the history of London theatre, so it will be interesting to see Chris Colfer – a California native with an admitted obsessive love for period drama and British culture in general – take on a role which may have been more expected to go to a young British actor. Noel – which was developed by the BFI (British Film Institute) with the support of the Noel Coward Estate – aims to shoot in the late summer, so with Glee’s next season not returning until 2015, Colfer will have plenty of spare time to perfect his English accent!

What are your thoughts on Chris Colfer portraying Noel Coward in Noel?

He most likely had to audition for this role, so I can’t imagine they would cast him if he couldn’t do the accent. Also he mentioned about a year ago that he was attached to a bio pic, so he’s had a lot of time to perfect it.

Kristen

Chris gives 100% to everything he does, and I have no doubt he’ll do the same with this amazing opportunity. Anyone who has heard his audio books know he has an incredible vocal talent and range. With the right coach he should do very well with the accent. I’m so excited for him and everyone connected to this film.

Heyer Chick

Chris is such an amazing screen actor – subtle, emotive, authentic – that I’m nothing but thrilled and proud to see him land such a meaty, prestigious role :) This is fantastic casting. Can’t wait for more news on the project.

treetops

Why are you proud? You’re not his mother…

CCArmy4FACES!

I’m not his mother either (but I’m old enough to be & happen to be friends with his mother) but I’m EXTREMELY thrilled & proud he’s landed something like this – I’ve always believed in his talent and can’t wait for the world to finally see & appreciate him for the amazing talented young man he is! (not the I don’t adore him as Kurt I do and always will and I loved SBL and his character Carson Phillips this is an exciting role to see him take on)

treetops

Well as far as his mother is concerned she has every right to be extremely proud – and not just because of Chris, but everything she and her husband had done for Hannah. I heard an interview with her talking about her daughter’s illness and I’m full of respect and admiration for her, believe me.

Heh, this reminds me of something Chris has once said about his mother’s reaction to his fame – it was sth like “But Christopher you don’t understand – you… you came out of me!”
It was so funny ;DD (I think it was the Piers Morgan interview.)

CCArmy4FACES!

That’s how I’ve gotten to know the Colfer family. I raise money for epilepsy research and awareness in Christopher’s name with the approval & blessing of Karyn Colfer. It was her video of Hannah’s story that made me want to do this and I’ve been raising money for 2 yrs now. Last year for his birthday I raised a little over $6,000 this year I’ve raised $3,000. I work with Karyn and the executive director of NYU FACES (which was Karyn’s request). I plan to continue to do this until we can find a cure for Hannah and other’s like Hannah. So Chris to me is no longer Chris Colfer star of Glee but Christopher, Karyn’s son. I’ve had the honor of meeting him & I felt like a proud big sister when I did – (I figure he has an amazing mom so I’ll think of him as the little brother I never had). I adore him and the entire family. So yes I’m EXTREMELY proud of Christopher. As for heyerchick – I know who ‘she’ is and I can’t agree more with what you said – she’s one of the ‘fans’ who run CCN who feel they have every right to stalk Karyn’s (private) FB page and hack into Will’s account for find ‘news’ for their tumblr page. They are the ones who stole the picture of Chris’ new puppy Cooper from Karyn’s FB and posted it to the internet when it wasn’t meant to be public (and they knew it wasn’t) & when Karyn asked me to ask them to please remove it and wait for Chris to make an announcement they refused and went on to attack me). They have since been blocked from Karyn’s public twitter (and mine) and they seriously all disgust me.

treetops

Thank you so much for posting this, and for helping fight this horrible illness. I was so moved after reading and hearing about Hannah’s condition that I kept thinking about it for a long time – before, I didn’t know this kind of epilepsy even existed in the first place. I can’t even begin to imagine the strength one has to possess to deal with it. And because I’m battling a serious illness myself right now (although nothing that compares – just your plain ordinary breast cancer) I know how important it is to be surrounded by love & support from your family and friends.

That’s fantastic that you met Chris – I really admire him and would love to meet him one day, although it’s highly unlikely with me living across the pond… (But I never thought I would meet Adam Lambert, and I did, so hey, anything could happen ;)

(And yeah, I know exactly what you’re talking about re: certain fans, and the less said about them the better. The invasion of privacy is disturbing and gross, and then there is this strange hatred towards Chris’ co-workers – in spite of the many times he spoke so fondly about his “Glee family”.)

Alana D.

I wish you the best in your fight against your cancer.

And don’t give up hope about meeting Chris! He’ll be in England to film the biopic this summer, and chances are, he’ll probably do a book tour for TLOS3 there as well. So that could be your chance. =)

NatalieFisher

I can’t believe this comment is real.

treetops

Why can’t you? Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy for Chris and I wish only best for him, but it’s not like heyerchick has anything to do with his talent or success. That’s my definition of pride – you can be proud if you’re even partly responsible, otherwise it’s weird. The opposite of pride is shame – would you feel ashamed if Chris did something bad? I know I wouldn’t.

Besides, the only reason I responded like that is because of who posted it. I know heyerchick from TWoP, from disqus and from tumblr and she’s absolutely vicious – one of the worst people in the fandom. She’s full of hate and contempt for others and the fact that she feels proud of anything Chris has done makes me want to puke.

Adanna Uzo

You don’t have to be his mother to be proud?

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

I think one does not have to be his mother to be proud. I’m also proud of my school, my alma mater, my company, my country, the heroes of my country, my teachers, my colleagues, my best friend, some random people who are successful that I don’t personally know. It is totally find if we are proud of someone we don’t personally know. Right now I’m so proud of Chris Colfer and I don’t care what people say about it.

Alex Bailey

I own both audio book volumes of Chris Colfer’s “The Land of Stories”
and I agree with Kristen that he has an incredible vocal talent –
several of his characters speak with some sort of British accent so I am
totally confident that he will pull off this role without a hitch.
I am with this article’s writer that apparently Chris Colfer chooses his projects carefully which is probably why we have yet to see him everywhere and nowhere.
I am so excited about his doing something this big with these great British actors and I can’t wait for the movie to hit theaters.
Best wishes, Chris!

Annie

I think this sounds like a very neat, interesting project that I’m really excited for! Also, what a great casting choice!

bill.i.am.

good thing he’s finding work off of the sinking ship he’s contractually obligated to be on.

CCArmy4FACES!

Stop bashing Glee I’m so tired of people like you. And I’ve never had any doubt or worry that Chris would have ANY trouble finding work after Glee. He’s amazingly talented & not nearly appreciated enough by people who have ‘issues’ with Glee.

bill.i.am.

Oh, believe me I used to love Glee. In fact, I watch still watch it every week, but more out of obligation from investing 5 years in it. This was my favorite TV show, I used to run a radio show on my college campus about it, have stood in line for meet and greets, and stopped everything I was doing just watch the new episode. I love the cast. In fact, I downright idolize Chris, Darren, and Lea. So please don’t shrug my comment off. I was a loyal fan- just not after this season.

The problem is that these great actors and singers are having their talents wasted and taken advantage of by the producers and writers of Glee. They are stuck there working with terrible material. I’m sincerely glad that Chris is finding work outside of Glee, because its time his acting, writing, and singing get the proper accolades they deserve. Something that will never happen for the remainder of the time he is on Glee. I can only hope this continues with the members of the cast.

You can not deny that this past season ruined everything that once made Glee special. These characters are not relatable and shells of what they once were. The writers have thrown out SEASONS worth of character development.

Rachel completely abandoned her dreams, Kurt and Blaine are parody’s of the characters they used to be. Other character that’s once had relevant plot lines being shoved in the background. And then there are others who got decent send offs and are being shoved back in for fan servicing.

Glee once was great, but they’ve ruined it. Completely.
And if you deny that you’re blinded by an unruly fandom that thrives on unhealthy loyalty.

bill.i.am.

Also I know exactly how you feel right now about the people who bash Glee. I used to hate them too. Take a look at my disque profile’s comment history. I used to be quite the advocate for the show.

I can only hope the rest of the fandom can see the light that I did this season. This show isn’t Glee anymore. This show is down right crap molded into something that kind of sort of resembles Glee.

Adanna Uzo

“Glee isn’t glee” shut up? Just cause there’s no highschool or club doesn’t make it glee -.-, You are not a true gleek since alot of you don’t even understand what the true meaning of glee, it’s reality, it’s time to move on from the whole Highschool phase, Glee is about finding yourself, reaching your goals, don’t stop believing, reaching to success, regrets, pain, happiness, sadness, laughter, etc, Sure glee is not much of glee, but it’s still good.

bill.i.am.

Clearly you didn’t read my whole statement. My problem is mainly with the completely disrespect for the character development. The storylines presented in New York had so much potential, but they made these character into something they were never meant to be.

I suggest you go back and reread what I said and notice how I never said one thing about the stories. Its all about how the characters are no longer the characters I fell in love with, they’ve changed over night with little explanation and no longer have any substance. Glee was great because the characters USED to be relatable. Now they live in a world were anyone can afford to move off to New York and have all their dreams come true. Which brings me to my next point, your statement of Glee being about reality is ridiculous.
Clearly we have two very different perspectives about what life is like outside of the walls of High School. Its highly unlikely that anyone, 1 year out of high school, would land the lead in a HUGE broadway revival, or modeling character without any experience, or a record label, or hell even an internship with Vogue without any prior experience in fashion.

These things do not happen the way show has suggested they do. Therefore, you’re argument of Glee being about reality is null and void.

Adanna Uzo

Characters are not who they were? People change, They may not act the same that made you fall into a connection with them but things change, also some go through success like that, right after highschool they go straight into the biz, For example CHRIS COLFER, after graduating highschool went straight, auditioned for glee also getting a role made just for him, also Glee can be a reality in a case without the singing, Just like in SEason 2, REALITY, or are you saying that people that bully? is not reality, or teen pregnancies? or Struggling talent? Also Bad writing of glee? I understand their downfall in the rates, but they are not bad, they are the saME writers that made you the show you lied dearly, so I don’t get why you are calling them bad writers

http://twitter.com/billiamsays bill.i.am.

You clearly are not comprehending what I am saying in my comments. Obviously you are one of the people that I referenced in my second comment, blinded by the unhealthy loyalty perpetuated by the fandom.

Adanna Uzo

No not really, I respond to some areas of what you said, not really as a whole.

treetops

“The storylines presented in New York had so much potential, but they made these character into something they were never meant to be.”

Sorry but I disagree – sort of. Weren’t they meant to be successful in their post-high school future? I really don’t think Kurt, Rachel, Blaine, Mercedes or Sam are all that different from what they were before. I mean, OK, Kurt is so much more confident and mature right now, but isn’t that a good thing?

I agree however that their success came too easily and those storylines needed more time. I think if Lima was to be ditched so unceremoniously then they should have done that much earlier, before season 5. Then maybe we could see more of the struggle of those who moved to NYC.
But again I disagree about the realism – because Glee has never been a very realistic show – just watch the first episodes for proof. I wanted more time for those storylines and characters from a storytellling point of view, not because of realism.

treetops

“Rachel completely abandoned her dreams”

no, she changed her dreams – that happens.

“Kurt and Blaine are parodies of the characters they used to be”

I admit I was iffy on Klaine’s relationship earlier in the season, but those past few episodes convinced me that they can make it work. And I def. disagree about them being parodies – we simply see more of them and their relationship than before, when they were in the background.

“Other characters that once had relevant plot lines being shoved in the background.”
Actually Mercedes had more to do in this later part of the season than she has since season 3, and I was very happy to see her back.

“And if you deny that you’re blinded by an unruly fandom that thrives on unhealthy loyalty.”

Or maybe they have a different interpretation of what happened in season 5? That’s possible you know.

CCArmy4FACES!

Rachel completely abandoned her dreams”

no, she changed her dreams – that happens.

EXACTLY – Rachel’s dreams were ‘shattered’ the minute Finn died (just like Lea’s they both had to find ‘new’ dreams when Cory passed away) Once she lost Finn she knew the dream she had would never happen – she already had the role of Fanny but no longer was she going to go on to win a Tony and then leave Broadway (having accomplished that part of her dream) and go back to Lima walk into the choir room where Finn would be teaching and say ‘I’m home’ and they’d live happily ever after – THAT was her dream – she TOLD Mr Schue that was her dream in ‘The Quarterback’ – Ryan Murphy confirmed that was how the show was SUPPOSED to end. But when Cory/Finn died she had to re-evaluate and find a new dream.

treetops

That’s a very good point.
I also remember Rachel telling Finn – back in The First Time episode – about people “outgrowing their dreams” and finding new ones (after he was rejected by the football scout). And it’s very true – not always the dream we have at 20 years old are the same we had as teenagers.

CCArmy4FACES!

Exactly

Troublesome Pete

As tremendous as I’m surely he will be, I fear Chris is on his way to becoming a gay actor, rather than an actor who happens to be gay.

Just my two cents.

CCArmy4FACES!

Well then you don’t seem to comprehend how amazingly talented he is – he does choose his roles very carefully – he’s a very savvy business man especially for his age. He’ll be able to do whatever he wants to do.

JK

So? Not all gay characters are the same, and if all Chris played were gay characters (and it’s not, since an animated dog isn’t gay), that would be fine with me. I say “yes” to more movies about gay men and women, especially when played by queer actors.

NatalieFisher

I’m not sure what’s to come for him.. on one hand I doubt he wants to be pinned as a Gay Actor, from what he’s said in the past. On the other hand this is an absolutely massive role, there is already Cannes talk and I bet it gets Oscar notice. On a strange, third, semi-related hand, I have a vivid memory of him talking in an interview about typecasting and how people are like “oh if you come out, you’ll never get a male romantic lead” and he was like “that’s supposed to be the goal? romcoms? that’s the ultimate goal?”

i’ve got this growing desire to see him do like a really messed up role where sexuality never comes into it, like a psychological thriller or something.

Alana

He wrote a 1930’s insane asylum-type movie that’s in the works too, so you might get your wish! The only thing is, it probably won’t get up and running for awhile, and he said he’ll only play a side character in it.

CCArmy4FACES!

Hello his character in Struck By Lightning’s sexuality was NEVER discussed. Carson never showed one way or another what sex he was interested in and Chris was AMAZING in the role.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

I think that after reading Struck by Lightning the book, Carson was supposed to be most likely straight.

Steph

Actually, no. Chris Colfer specifically stated that he didn’t want Carson’s sexuality to be defined. Yes, he spoke as if he were straight, but I know a lot of teen gays that do so. Colfer’s intent was to keep Carson’s sexuality from defining him as a character and thereby limiting responsiveness to the story.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

I remember that comment from Chris, too. But after actually reading the book, I got the impression from monologues here and there that this Carson character is more likely to be straight. Even more as the character witnessed that gay couple in the toilet. About response, well authors can never limit response from the readers, right?
My comment said “I think” thus this is my opinion, not something stated in the book.

Ann

This is such an amazing opportunity for him! Its so exciting to see such a talented young actor take on such an iconic person.

Charles

Nobody who is into ‘Glee’ and Chris Colfer has a clue or cares who Noel Coward was, and nobody who has any respect for Coward’s work and life gives a tinker’s cuss about Chris Colfer or ‘Glee’.

It’s a kiddie thing: he’s a little kiddie. Being Coward is a lot more than being good at singing and dancing: it’s embodying the tragic, contradictory, scintillating, self-loathing, kind and snobbish character of a British man who was born over a century ago.

I bet this kid won’t bother picking up a biography. He has no cultural understanding of who this man is or was. I bet Chris Colfer has never heard of Laurence Olivier and has never seen a black and white movie.

Adanna Uzo

DUde you are way too hyped, move on also how are you soo sure chris hasn’t heard of Laurence Olivier or Noel ?

Charles

I love how people who are only 20% alive think that people who are 100% alive are ‘crazy’.

Adanna Uzo

You just made no sense? I’m pretty sure I am alive and well, also why are you assuming things of others especially successful ones and also to their fandom.

CCArmy4FACES!

HUH? – are you referring to age? I’m a fan of Glee and Chris and I’m 43 and a former musical theater major so I also know who Noel Coward is (and it’s very arrogant for you to assume anyone who watches Glee or is a fan of Chris doesn’t – my 65 year old mother is ALSO a fan of Glee and Chris. So you’re just making an idiot out of yourself by continuing to spout off like you are.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

I think you’re a provocateur who likes to evoke anger within other people.

sammy

I think I have to disagree. I’m sure if you’ve seen some of his interviews you can see how much of adoration he has for British culture and how much he loves history. I think he probably researched this role and read a lot about it to prepare. Me on the other hand, that is true I’ve never heard of any of the people you referenced including who Coward is. Anyway, I don’t think it would hurt looking him up before making assumptions.

NatalieFisher

Excuse me? Seriously? I’m 28 years old, I write and podcast about Glee, I saw the Glee tour 8 times and I cried when Chris Colfer won his Golden Globe. I also cried when I visited Oscar Wilde’s grave (in 2007, before Glee was even thought of). I own Coward first editions and I could give you the history of how Olivier founded the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic. Don’t try and categorize people by what they’re fans of.

I don’t know how Chris is going to do in this role, but I’m assuming you’ve never seen Glee or Struck By Lightning so you’re unaware of how cold, snobby and ruthless he’s capable of acting. Glee has also literally referenced Noel Coward being a hero of Kurt Hummel’s, so I’m pretty sure Chris Colfer is aware of who he is – I’m also sure he cares a hell of a lot more than you’re claiming given that he is obsessed with British culture, theatre and independent film. Pretty sure he worked extremely hard to be considered for this role, because it’s going to mean something to him.

He’s also – obviously you don’t follow his life and his press – rarely starstruck by ‘new’ celebrities, he pretty much only talks about his awe of people over 60, so I’m going to also assume he’s seen a black and white film. The episode of Glee he just wrote literally featured his favorite retired/elderly actors. He’s definitely not a ‘here and now’ pop culture type of guy.

I personally don’t even think he could sing like Coward – his voice is too high – and I doubt the movie will contain a lot of singing, if any. I’m also worried about the accent But the attitude? I’m pretty sure he’s going to nail it.

Don’t be such a closeminded and judgemental fool – not only about Chris Colfer in this film, but about your idea everyone who likes Glee is too shallow and stupid to know who Noel Coward is, and that anyone who respects Coward wouldn’t give two hoots about Colfer. You’re acting like Glee fans are closeminded and ignorant, but you’re demonstrating it far more than anyone else I’ve seen speaking on this matter. To paraphrase Glee itself – don’t try and put me in a box. There are more than four sides to me, to Glee fans, and to Chris.

The only thing I would add is that Noel Coward was definitely mentioned on Glee before – in “The First Time” episode.

CCArmy4FACES!

Only things I’ll disagree with you on – is you haven’t paid attention to how much Chris’ range has changed since S1 – he’s still a counter tenor but he can sing in a much lower key than most people realize (or give him credit for) as for his accent I’m not worried when he can voice hundred’s of characters for his audio versions of TLOS series and he tackles all sorts of accents. Also this biopic has been in the making for over a year – he’s known since last summer he had the role so he’s had plenty of time to work on his accent.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

yes, Chris sounds great doing low ranges – shown in so many Glee covers – the most recent is Pompeii, I think, and before Pompeii — I’m Still Here is also showing his low registers. There are much more in groups covers.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

I want to laugh out loud reading this comment of yours. Are you out of your mind? You don’t know Chris even a bit.. if you follow him and read/see his interviews and stuffs, I don’t think there’s any literature especially European and English that he is not familiar with. He’s even familiar with 70s and 80s songs, black n white movies are totally his night snacks.
And one more things – the estate of Noel who supports this project and the entire community, producers, directors, who picks him – they’re no morons, they must think 100 times before choosing Chris.

jazzcolfer

I am beyond happy for Chris Colfer. I am also glad for me because I love his acting so bad, so I can’t wait to see him tackle a role like this. I can’t get enough of chris colfer really and the project is very good. It’s also great that it cannot be more different from glee. Chris deserves this and more.

https://twitter.com/blackbird_xoxo Rini

If this biopic is somehow turned into a Broadway play sometime in the future, I really wish and hope for Chris Colfer to play the lead again. He will be so damn amazing on a stage, considering that his thick background is theater.

Steph

Really looking forward to hearing more about “Noël”. It’s supposed to be Coward’s early years (age 15-24), stopping at approximately his first major critical and financial success, “The Vortex”, at age 24. 5 yrs later, Coward collapsed on-stage due to over-work…but that was a one-time thing. The project should be amazing. I do hope we hear that Ian McKellan, Vanessa Redgrave and Jonathan Pryce confirm soon. I’m assuming that Vanessa Redgrave would be Mrs. Astley-Cooper (?) and Jonathan Pryce an older Noël Coward. Not certain about Ian McKellan’s intended role, since I’m out of date with early influences on Noël Coward’s life. But any and all of the three Tony Award winners would be amazing. Colfer’s drive reminds me a lot of all that I’ve read about Noël Coward, so I’m very interested and intrigued. It would be perfect casting.

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